![[Childcare] Fun for October! Craft ideas recommended for 4-year-olds](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/UauaZPXRNcA/maxresdefault.webp)
[Childcare] Fun for October! Craft ideas recommended for 4-year-olds
Four-year-olds become even more dependable in autumn.
You’ll probably start to hear conversations like, “Next year you’ll be in the oldest class!” Their crafting activities also gain depth, as they grapple with how to express their own ideas and offer imaginative suggestions that make the most of their creativity.
This time, we’ve put together October craft ideas we’d love to try with four-year-olds.
We’ve prepared a variety of ideas—from seasonal materials and motifs to projects that draw out their originality.
Please use them as a reference.
Since the children’s creations are treated as works, we use the term “seisaku” (production/art-making) in the text.
[Early Childhood Education] Fun for October! Recommended Craft Ideas for 4-Year-Olds (1–10)
Sparkly-Eyed Owl
Here’s a craft idea for making “Bright-Eyed Owls” using aluminum cups.
Prepare by pre-cutting the owl’s small parts.
Have the children cut out an owl, a moon, and circles from construction paper.
Then cut each circle in half to make the wings.
Glue the aluminum cups onto the pre-cut owl to form the eyes, and attach all the pre-cut parts to complete the owl.
Prepare a background sheet and glue on the moon and the owl to create a nighttime scene.
When you shine a light on it, the eyes sparkle like those of a real owl you might see at night—it’s really fun!
Kaleidoscope made from a milk carton
Here’s an idea for making a kaleidoscope using a milk carton.
First, fold the tip of the milk carton to form a rectangular prism.
Have the children cover it with aluminum foil, securing it with tape.
Then, draw any picture you like on construction paper and attach it to the milk carton with the drawing facing inward.
And that’s it—your kaleidoscope is complete! By moving the outer picture back and forth, the image reflected on the aluminum foil will change.
It’s more fun with colorful drawings, so try using lots of different colors.
It’s also great to take along for outdoor activities.
Stencil treat bag
Here’s how to make a stenciled treat bag that’s perfect for Halloween.
First, cut off the handles from a paper bag.
Create stencil templates, such as a jack-o’-lantern or bat, and use a sponge to dab on paint.
Finally, attach a braided yarn strap to the bag to finish.
For the templates, draw a rough sketch, fold the paper in half, and have the kids cut out the shapes with scissors.
Braiding might be a bit tricky, so try it with an adult’s help.
Making a Fluffy Bag Ghost
A white plastic bag transforms into a ghost! It’s a perfect idea for Halloween decorations.
First, cut off the flap of the plastic bag with scissors.
Next, make cuts in the handle area and shred it into thin strips.
Crumple a small piece of aluminum foil you prepared in advance, and tape it to the shredded handle area.
Finally, draw your favorite ghost face on the bag, and you’re done! If you drop it from a high place, air will fill the bag and it will float down gently.
You can also hang it from the ceiling with string, like kite twine, to make a cute wall decoration.
Great for small accents too! Four origami ideas perfect for autumn.
We’re introducing four types of autumn origami that even children can try: chestnut, mushroom, maple leaf, and dragonfly—motifs kids have likely seen before.
The chestnut and maple leaf use one sheet of origami paper each, while the mushroom and dragonfly use two sheets.
There may be a few tricky steps for those not used to folding, but teachers and guardians can demonstrate and fold slowly while checking each step.
These origami ideas also seem perfect as a small accent for autumn craft projects.
Making original puffy stickers
Did you know you can make your own squishy stickers using water-based markers and glue? It’s super easy! Draw a picture with a water-based marker on a clear plastic sheet or a large card case, then drip glue on top and spread it to match the shape of your drawing.
Let it dry for a day, and you’ll have a semi-transparent, squishy sticker! If a child isn’t confident about drawing, tape a sheet of paper with an illustration under the plastic sheet or inside the card case and have them color over it.
Note that this doesn’t work with oil-based markers, so please be careful.
Try making all kinds of stickers with autumn motifs like acorns and maple leaves.
Let’s fish for autumn materials
https://www.instagram.com/p/CkIuhlnLVKQ/Let’s try “fishing” for autumn materials using acorns and pinecones you picked up on a walk.
It’s basically the same as regular fishing: tie string (such as twine) with a magnet on the end to a pair of chopsticks to make a rod.
If you make autumn animals like squirrels out of construction paper and attach them to the magnet area, it turns out really cute.
Then just wrap a twist tie around the acorns and pinecones, and you’re done.
It looks just like squirrels are gathering acorns and pinecones—so adorable!